Australia hints & tips

Aboriginal performance

If you haven’t already, make sure you attend an Aussie Aboriginal music and dance performance. It’s a great opportunity to hear the low-pitched sound of the didgeridoo, a wind instrument made from a hollow tree trunk (that’s bloody hard to play)!

Beaches

Yup it’s true, we Aussies love wearing thongs on our beaches… oh stop it! We mean flip-flops, whatever you wanna call them! But seriously, the beaches in Australia are absolutely breathtaking, especially the warmer waters as you head up North.

Vegemite

C’mon - try some!  Some say it’s an acquired taste, but this salty spread is completely adored by Australians. We love it! Nothing better than hot crunchy toast, lots of butter and a tiny scraping of Vegemite… oh and it’s great for a hangover too! But for all you Vegemite virgins, probably best to start with a small taste, just in case.

Barbie (bbq) etiquette

If an Aussie invites you over for a Barbie, then boy you’re in luck! There’s nothing better than an Aussie bbq. Most of the time the Barbie host will shout (supply) the meat, but it’ll be BYO booze, ie. Bring your own wine or beer.  The general stereotype is that Aussie ‘blokes’ stand around the bbq with a beer, while the ‘tarts’ (Aussie women) gossip and prepare salads. The dress code is casual; thongs, singlet & stubby holder!

Croc safety

There are two types in Australia – the freshwater and saltwater varieties.  The more-dangerous saltwater crocs can be found in tidal estuaries but can travel to freshwater areas, sometimes as far as 300 km upstream.  Make sure you read the local warning signs and take extra care in tidal estuaries.  Avoid swimming, paddling or camping near water in crocodile infested areas, and if in a boat avoid leaning out of it.

Sunscreen

The sun in Oz is very harsh, so no matter where you are in Australia or what season it is, always remember your sunscreen.  The sun in the southern hemisphere is much stronger than in the northern hemisphere and burn time can be as quick as 8 minutes flat!  It’s best to wear a shirt and put on a hat while enjoying the great outdoors. Sunscreen containing SPF30+ coverage is recommended and buying it down under is probably best so you get the strong stuff!

*The Small Print
We’ve tried to make this destination guide as accurate as possible but please double check the essentials like visas, health and safety, airport information etc with the relevant authorities before you travel.  STA Travel takes no responsibility for loss, injury or inconvenience caused as a result of this guide.  All prices listed are in the currency of the destination, unless otherwise stated.